Me and My Emmy: Rita Moreno
Legendary Rita Moreno has two "E"s in her EGOT.
Primetime Emmy Tally: Two
How She Got the Gold: As outstanding lead actress for a single appearance in a drama or comedy series, for her 1978 gig on NBC’s The Rockford Files; and for outstanding continuing or single performance by a supporting actress in variety or music, 1977, for the syndicated series The Muppet Show.
Now for the Noms: Moreno has been nominated for six primetime Emmys and was also honored by the Television Academy in 2008 with a Televisionary Award.
She’s EGOT It: “I keep the Emmys on the shelves with my other awards, including the Grammy, Oscar and Tony, in the living room. They’re in good company! I call that area the hardware garage.”
Joy and Genius: “Working with the Muppets was a true joy in my life. I loved the experience so much, I used to drop in to the studio and do voices for their girl puppets just because it was so much fun. I became quite close to Jim Henson. He was an artist and a genius.”
Family Time: “Working on [Netflix’s] One Day at a Time is like going home to be with my family — what a funny, crazy talented cast! It is pure happiness. I worship the head writers, Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce. Justina Machado is a brilliant actress. Anyone who can have you laughing one moment and in tears the next has my vote.”
Puerto Rico Proud: “Who would’ve ever thunk that this little girl from that tiny little island paradise would have become such a symbol of inspiration to her own? It fills me with tears and pride, and I embrace the privilege. If I continue to do what I love best in the world, next to my family, at 86, I ask for nothing more!”
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This article originally appeared in emmy magazine, Issue No. 5, 2018